Groundwork laid for World Radiocommunication Conference 2015

A variety of spectrum-related matters dealing with the future development of radio communications, enabling convergence and coordination of all radio services, were addressed by the Second Session of the Conference Preparatory Meeting (CPM15-2) for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15).

CPM15-2, which met for almost two weeks, concluded on 2 April with the adoption of the report to WRC-15, focusing on technical, operational and regulatory materials to be considered by ITU member states in developing their proposals to the conference.

More than 1250 participants from 105 ITU member states attended the meeting.

World Radiocommunication Conferences are mandated to review and revise the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbit resources.

WRC-15 decisions will ensure that these resources will be used in the best possible way and in the best interest of all end users, with global implications for both policy-makers and the industry.

WRC-15 will be held in Geneva, from 2 to 27 November 2015.

CPM15-2 reached consensus on the way to address many of the topics on the WRC-15 agenda; for instance, with the implementation of wireless avionics intra-communications, the use of digital technologies for a more efficient usage of existing frequencies for onboard communications and critical functions of ships in restricted waters or the sustainable availability of the 5 GHz band for feeder-links to non-geostationary orbital (GSO) systems in the mobile-satellite service.

CPM15-2 also addressed many other complex and controversial issues related to terrestrial and space radio communication services - from narrowband systems for maritime and aeronautical mobile communications and navigation to broadband wireless access systems - as well as the future use of a wide range of frequency bands allocated by the Radio Regulations.

For these issues, agreement was reached on the description of the various possible options to be considered by WRC-15.

“Thanks to the excellent spirit of cooperation and coordination of activities by all during the last two weeks, we have been able to approve by consensus the CPM Report to WRC-15,” said the chairman of CPM-15, Aboubakar Zourmba.

“The global management of the radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbits is essential to extend the reach of information and communication technologies to all corners of the world,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.

“The consensus reached on the Report to WRC-15 prepared by CPM15-2 over the last two weeks indicates the importance attached to the process by ITU’s membership.”